In the first part of this series, we explored five essential rules for personal finance, inspired by “The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated” by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack. The rules in the blog spoke to things like spending less than we earn, paying off credit card debt, save 10-20% of our income, augmenting contributions to retirement investments, and creating an emergency fund — all laying the groundwork for financial stability […]
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Ten Rules – Part 1
Whilst it’s easy to get lost in a sea of jargon, investment options, and conflicting advice, financial success doesn’t require a degree in economics or hours spent poring over market trends. In fact, according to Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack in their book The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated, everything you need to know about managing your money can fit on a single index card. Yes, you read that right—just ten […]
Continue readingMore TagThe freedom to live life on your terms
Here’s one of the hardest (or least asked…) questions when it comes to financial planning: “How much is enough?” It’s a simple question, but one that most people never stop to consider. We’re so caught up in the race for ‘more’ that we forget to ask ourselves why we’re running in the first place. It’s a vital question that we need to ask, so much so that Paul Armson wrote a book about it – “Enough? […]
Continue readingMore TagNudging, not judging
Change is one of those things that we all know is necessary but often struggle with. Whether it’s a change in our spending habits, our health routines, or our approach to relationships, the process can be daunting. The desire to improve is there, but the path forward isn’t always clear or easy. This is where the concept of “nudging, not judging” can be transformative. It’s about guiding ourselves and others toward positive change with gentle encouragement […]
Continue readingMore TagSo, why do we plan?
Have you ever wondered why we spend so much time planning, even when we know that life rarely goes according to plan? It’s a curious thought, especially when it comes to financial planning. Carl Richards beautifully encapsulates this paradox: “In fact, the only thing we know for sure about any good financial plan the moment we finish designing it is that it’s wrong. We just don’t know exactly how… yet.” This might sound disheartening at first, […]
Continue readingMore TagFrom Hocus Pocus to Financial Focus
You know that feeling when you check your bank account and suddenly you’re thinking, “Hocus pocus, I’m brokus”? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s like one minute you’re feeling on top of the world, and the next, poof! Your money’s vanished faster than a rabbit in a magician’s hat. But here’s the thing: our finances aren’t actually controlled by some mysterious, magical force. Even though it might feel that way sometimes! Nope, it’s all about the […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Baby-Steps Rule for Financial Growth
You know, it’s funny how we often think about our finances. We look at our bank accounts or our debts and think, “Wow, I need to make some big changes here.” And then we get overwhelmed and end up doing… well, nothing. Sound familiar? But here’s the thing: what if we didn’t need to make those massive, life-altering changes all at once? What if we could improve our financial situation just a little bit every day? […]
Continue readingMore TagThe behavioural blueprint for financial success
Traditionally, personal finance conversations have focused heavily on numbers, metrics, and strategies. However, Morgan Housel, in his insightful book “The Psychology of Money,” proposes a compelling argument: while acquiring wealth involves shrewd financial strategies, maintaining and growing that wealth is more about mastering your behaviours and emotions. Housel shares that acquiring and preserving wealth are two distinct challenges, with the latter often proving more difficult. The actual test of financial acumen lies not in how much […]
Continue readingMore TagWho’s leaning on you?
BALANCING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PERSONAL BOUNDARIES For all of us, we’re often interconnected with others in ways we don’t fully realise. Family members, friends, colleagues and even acquaintances can lean on us for support, both emotionally and financially. While this support can be a beautiful expression of love and community, it can also become an invisible weight that impacts our own financial well-being and life goals. Take a moment to reflect: Who are the people in […]
Continue readingMore TagAre you a cog in the machine?
In the grand machinery of personal finance, we all play a role. But have you ever stopped to consider what kind of role you’re playing? Are you the one tirelessly turning the cogs, or have you become the overseer of a well-oiled financial plan? Let’s picture two scenarios: Imagine Sarah, who wakes up every morning, rushes to her 9-to-5 job, and diligently works to earn her paycheck. She’s constantly aware of her bank balance, carefully budgeting […]
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